General Manager

Grantham, Lincolnshire

Chartwells Independent
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General Manager - Prince William of Gloucester Barracks

Location: Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham
Salary: £39,054 Per Annum
Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday, Occasional Weekends
Reports to: Operations Director
Direct Reports: 4 Department Managers Oversight of 50 Staff
Services: Catering, Hospitality, Facilities & Retail

About the Role

We're looking for a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead operations at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks. This is a high-impact leadership role, overseeing multiple service lines across Catering, Hospitality, Facilities Management, and Retail. You'll manage key relationships with our clients-Army personnel and Ministry of Defence stakeholders-while driving operational excellence and exceptional service delivery.

You'll lead a team of 4 departmental managers and oversee approximately 50 team members, ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and efficiency across all service areas.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and inspire your management team and frontline staff to deliver exceptional results across all Soft FM services.

  • Manage client and stakeholder relationships effectively, always acting with commercial awareness and professionalism.

  • Ensure full compliance with company policies, health & safety regulations (HACCP, Risk Assessments, Incident Reporting), and MOD standards.

  • Drive continuous improvement in service delivery, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

  • Manage budgets, oversee Profit & Loss performance, and ensure financial targets are met or exceeded.

  • Work closely with strategic partners, subcontractors, and clients to ensure contractual KPIs and service expectations are achieved.

  • Implement and maintain CRM and retention plans in collaboration with the Regional Manager.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

  • Proven leadership experience in a Soft FM, foodservice, or similar operational role.

  • Experience managing a diverse, multi-functional team in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong commercial acumen with previous P&L accountability.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Demonstrable success in growing organic sales and improving service delivery.

  • Strong understanding of health and safety protocols and operational compliance.

Desirable:

  • Military or Defence sector experience, or working knowledge of MOD contracts.

  • Project/change management capabilities.

  • Strong IT literacy and comfort with web-based communication tools.

  • Experience in hospitality, food production, or facilities management operations.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

  • Compass will be providing a free meal or equivalent Subsidy while working
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength.

Date Posted: 18 May 2025
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